Metastatic cutaneous carcinoma

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Synopsis

Orbital
Approximately 1%-4.5% of internal cancers metastasize to the skin. The most frequent primary tumors are carcinomas of the breasts, stomach, lungs, uterus, kidneys, ovaries, colon, or bladder. The lesions may represent direct extension to the skin, or local or distant metastasis via lymphatic or hematogenous dissemination of tumor cells.

Cutaneous metastases usually indicate a very poor prognosis, with patients often succumbing to their disease within 3-6 months. Patients may be any age but are typically older. The interval between detection of the primary tumor and development of cutaneous metastases may be on the order of years, or skin metastases may be the first manifestation of an internal malignancy.

In addition to the skin lesion(s), patients with previously undiagnosed cancer may also notice a palpable mass, pallor, or weight loss. A personal history of previous carcinoma provides an important diagnostic clue.